The Beginning

St. Mary's Church Dehiwala stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Catholic community in Dehiwala and its surrounding areas. The history of our parish is deeply intertwined with the growth of Catholicism in Sri Lanka and reflects the devotion and sacrifices of countless faithful who have called this church their spiritual home.

The Catholic presence in the Dehiwala area dates back to the colonial period when Portuguese and Dutch settlers brought their faith to the island. However, it was during the British colonial era that the Catholic Church in this region began to flourish and organize itself into formal parishes.

Foundation and Early Years

St. Mary's Church was established to serve the growing Catholic population in Dehiwala, which had become a significant residential area south of Colombo. The church was built through the generous contributions of parishioners and the dedication of early missionaries who saw the need for a strong Catholic presence in this community.

In its early years, the church served as more than just a place of worship. It became a center of community life, providing education through Sunday schools, caring for the sick and poor, and bringing together families in faith and fellowship. The founding priests worked tirelessly to establish the sacramental life of the parish, ensuring that baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other important spiritual milestones were properly celebrated.

Growth and Development

As Dehiwala continued to grow and develop, so too did St. Mary's Church. The parish expanded its facilities to accommodate the increasing number of faithful, adding meeting halls, classrooms for religious education, and spaces for various parish organizations and associations.

The church weathered many challenges throughout its history, including economic hardships, social changes, and periods of political instability in the country. Through it all, the faith of the parishioners remained strong, sustained by their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and their commitment to the Catholic faith.